Silke Mayr Surrey County Council will use cameras in vehicles to spot potholes and prioritize repairs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will help the council speed up road repair efforts by detecting potholes more efficiently.
How It Works: Cameras and AI Collaboration
Dashboard cameras in Surrey County Council’s highway vehicles will use computer vision to identify and photograph potholes. These images will automatically log defects, ensuring swift repairs.
Future upgrades will enable the system to detect additional issues, like missing signs and overgrown foliage, which will also be scheduled for repair.
This technology eliminates the need for highway inspectors to step onto roads, enhancing safety and improving efficiency. Potholes not requiring immediate attention will still be monitored regularly to ensure timely repairs when necessary.
Investments and Long-Term Road Improvements
Matt Furniss, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transport, and economic growth, announced nearly £300 million will fund road repairs and upgrades through 2028.
“We’re resurfacing more roads and pavements than ever,” Furniss stated. “From April to December 2024, highways teams resurfaced 100 miles of roads and 30 miles of pavements.”
He emphasized these improvements would make Surrey’s highway network more durable, reducing future potholes and enhancing road quality.